Planets

Physics

Raindrops on alien worlds will obey Earth-like rules

Their size will be similar no matter what they’re made of or on which planet they fall, a new analysis finds.

Physics

Scientists discover likely source of the moon’s faint yellow tail

These sodium atoms are part of the debris kicked up from the moon’s surface, mostly by micrometeorites, two new studies conclude.

Planets

Signs of a hidden Planet Nine in our solar system may be an illusion

Hints of the remote planet, also called Planet X, relied on clumped up orbits of bodies beyond Neptune. A new study suggests that clumping doesn’t exist.

Planets

Let’s learn about the moon

The moon is Earth’s nearest neighbor, and its gravity helps stabilize the planet’s climate and creates the tides.

Planets

Scientists Say: Planet

Planets have to orbit a star, be big enough to form a sphere and keep other objects out of their path around their star.

Planets

Rogue planets wander the galaxy all alone

Some planets don’t orbit stars. They were kicked into space long ago. The newest, smallest one found is only about as massive as Earth.

Math

Meet ‘Pi’ — a new Earth-sized planet

Searching through data from NASA’s K2 Mission, researchers found a new planet. Some call it K2-315b, others smile and refer to it as “Pi Earth.”

Planets

Jupiter may have ‘sprites’ or ‘elves’ in its atmosphere

This is the first time that scientists have seen hints of these weird side effects of lightning storms somewhere other than on Earth.

Planets

There’s water on sunny parts of the moon, scientists confirm

The new observations were made by a telescope on board a jet in Earth’s atmosphere. They confirm the presence of water on sunlit areas of the moon.

Planets

Let’s learn about Mars

Traveling to Mars offers many challenges, including life without gravity, cosmic rays and communication delays.

Physics

Scientists Say: Gravity

Gravity is a fundamental force that attracts objects with mass to other objects with mass. It decreases with distance.

Planets

Let’s learn about space robots

Space robots can take pictures of other planets, analyze samples of their surface and even peer into their interiors.